Environmental advisory board’s tree-code proposal set for workshop after planning board review

The Environmental Advisory Board asked the town commission to schedule a workshop to review a proposed tree and landscaping ordinance, and the commission unanimously agreed to do so after a brief amendment to tie the timing to Planning & Zoning’s next meeting.

Curtis Byrd, chair of the Environmental Advisory Board, told commissioners the EAB has drafted a code and would like to present it in a workshop with commissioners and the public. Byrd said the code aims to preserve neighborhood character and offer clearer rules for tree protection and landscaping.

Commissioner (moved and amended on the floor) proposed a workshop "to look with the EAB to look at the revision of the code after P&Z has had 1 more meeting and when we can convene at a convenient time for all parties." The amendment was accepted and the motion passed by a 5–0 vote.

Commissioners noted Planning & Zoning chair April Evans recently submitted a resignation, and said they would coordinate scheduling with the town manager once P&Z completes the next section of its work. Several commissioners said a joint or special workshop could help resolve outstanding impasses between the advisory board and P&Z on definitions (for example, the definition of "tree").

The commission directed staff to coordinate a date and to bring the revised code to the workshop once P&Z has advanced the draft.